Starting college during a global pandemic is no small feat, but one standout example of St David’s College student success is the journey of Martin Madamidola. Beginning his studies amid uncertainty, Martin faced the challenges of online learning and social restrictions head-on. Through resilience and the support of the College, his experience led to academic excellence, personal growth, and a promising future in law.
When Martin Madamidola began his studies at St David’s College, the COVID-19 pandemic gripped the world. Adapting to online learning was a challenge. Staying motivated and engaged—especially with complex subjects like Law, Politics, and Religious Studies—was tough without the usual face-to-face interaction.
“At first, online learning felt isolating. It was difficult to understand challenging concepts without real-time discussion or collaboration.”
Despite these difficulties, the St David’s College community rose to the occasion. The College introduced support systems to ensure students’ academic progress and well-being. Even when on-site learning resumed, restrictions such as social distancing posed new challenges, but the sense of community remained strong.
“The supportive environment at St David’s stood out during this time. Even with limited interaction, I was able to form meaningful relationships with peers and staff.”
Studying three essay-based subjects required effective revision strategies—a skill that didn’t initially come quickly.
“I initially struggled to structure my revision and to retain large volumes of information.”
To overcome this, Martin explored various learning methods with the guidance of teachers. St David’s provided additional support through revision sessions during holidays and outside regular hours, which played a key role in boosting confidence and academic performance without needing private tutoring.
The College also offered access to counselling services, which helped manage stress and maintain focus during a difficult time.
Academics weren’t the only focus. Martin actively participated in extracurricular activities, including playing for the College football team in their second year.
“Balancing academics with sports allowed me to develop intellectually and physically.”
He also briefly joined the Honours Programme, gaining exposure to advanced topics beyond the regular curriculum. These experiences, combined with determination and support from staff, led to outstanding academic results: straight A’s at A-Level.
As the first in his family to attend university, Martin secured a place to study Law at the University of Exeter—marking a significant milestone.
Since leaving St David’s, he has remained committed to supporting others from underrepresented backgrounds. Through the SEO London mentorship programme, he guides aspiring law students, helping them navigate their career paths.
Now in the final year of law school, Martin is working towards securing a training contract to qualify as a solicitor. Valuable internships at organisations such as Hogan Lovells and the Government Legal Department have provided hands-on experience and reinforced their passion for the legal profession.
Reflecting on his journey from Mary Immaculate High School to a promising legal career, this former student shares a powerful message for current and future St David’s College students:
“Make the most of the support at St David’s—academic help, mental health services, and extracurriculars. Challenges will come, but resilience and resourcefulness can take you far.”
St David’s College provided more than just an education—it offered the foundation for personal and professional growth. Martin’s story is a testament to the impact of a supportive learning environment and the power of perseverance.
